VILLA today distanced themselves from claims made by Tottenham’s David Bentley that he was in transfer talks with them.

But Martin O’Neill is known to be a firm admirer of the winger and a deal cannot be ruled out at some stage.

Bentley’s agents are thought to be playing a proactive game in trying to engineer a swift move to Villa Park.

The 24-year-old joined Spurs from Blackburn for a record £16 million last summer and after a wasted season is thought to be available at just over half that price.

But Villa have not spoken to the player, directly or indirectly, and have therefore not approached Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp.

Bentley, reportedly holidaying in the Spanish resort of Puerto Banus, has been quoted in a national newspaper today as saying: “I’m in talks with Villa at the moment. I really don’t want to say much more but we’ll see what happens. I’m hopeful of sorting it out as soon as possible.”

Bentley is known to be extremely keen to move to Villa where he believes he can get his England career back on track.

The last of his 20 Premier League starts came at the end of January in the 3-2 defeat at Bolton.

O’Neill made an unsuccessful attempt to sign him 12 months ago. The Villa boss also has an interest in Tottenham’s midfield duo of Jermaine Jenas and Tom Huddlestone.

But any attempt by Redknapp to use Ashley Young in a swap deal will be rejected as the Villa boss is adamant he will not lose any more of his assets following the departure of Gareth Barry.